A Note from the Composer of Guys on Ice

Book & Lyrics by Fred Alley Music by

James Kaplan

Conceived

& Researched

by Fred Alley & Fred Heide

Guys on Ice has played to sold-out houses in Beloit, Ephraim, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Madison and Milwaukee, and has played for audiences in at least fifteen states, including California, New York, Oregon, Texas, and West Virginia. The show was originally part of Wisconsin’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in the fall of 1998, and was first produced jointly by American Folklore Theatre and Milwaukee Rep.

At first, Fred planned on writing the book and lyrics with his friend and AFT co-founder, Doc Heide. Doc did some remarkable research, interviewing several of Door County’s leading ice fishermen. Fred and Doc found that their schedules didn’t allow for enough time together, and it was agreed that Fred would write the script, based in part on Doc’s research.

Fred knew that he wanted to write this show for himself and Doug Mancheski. Doug had joined the AFT summer company in 1997, and quickly became Fred’s favorite actor. It’s hard to imagine Guys on Ice without him. Here we are, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the show’s premiere!

Fred wrote the following description of the show for the 1998 program: You’ve seen them. Little wooden shanties sitting on lake ice. Puffs of smoke rising from chimney pipes. On a quiet day, maybe the static of a tinny radio filters through plywood walls, across the frozen tundra, back to shore. In a cold world, on a cold day, on a frozen lake, these little signs of life are all most people know of a secret culture that thrives right here amongst us. Well, wonder no more. Once again, AFT sets its sights close to home as we bring you our somewhat twisted take on the secret world of ice fisherman. Guys on Ice spends a day in the life of Marvin and Lloyd - fishing buddies and home grown philosophers. With musical numbers like The Wishing Hole, Ode to a Snowmobile Suit, Fish Is the Miracle Food and The One That Got Away, Guys on Ice works not only as a serious anthropological study but as a musical comedy as well.

– James Kaplan

DAN KLARER Performer & Costume Head

Dan has worked with Northern Sky since 2006 as an actor, costume designer, house manager, fight choreographer, assistant stage manager, and popcorn seller. Past Northern Sky credits include Tongue ’n Cheek, Victory Farm, Cheeseheads! The Musical, A Cabin with a View, and Loose Lips Sink Ships. In addition, Dan has performed as Ernie Da Moocher in Guys on Ice around the state of Wisconsin. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree from UW-Stevens Point and a masters degree in acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He would like to dedicate this season to Neen and Sara.

Guys on Ice

Musical Numbers

79

Book & Lyrics by Fred Alley

Music by James Kaplan

Conceived & Researched by Fred Alley & Frederick Heide

Director & Choreographer Jeff Herbst

Music Director Ryan Cappleman

Stage Manager Heather Sopel*

Lighting & Sound Designer David Alley

Scenic Designer James Maronek**

Original Costume & Props Designer

Neen Rock*

Costume Redesign by Dan Klarer

Prop Redesign by Lisa Schlenker**

Radio Voiceover Chase Stoeger

Ice Shanty on Green Bay

Cast of Characters

Marvin ...................................................................... Doug Mancheski*

Lloyd ............................................................................ Steve Koehler*

Ernie the Moocher ..............................................................Dan Klarer*

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

**Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829

– THERE WILL BE A 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION –

Musicians: Ryan Cappleman | Dan Klarer

Guys on Ice is sponsored by Door county MeDical center, the corDon FaMily FounDation, tony & JuDy licata nicolet bank, oneiDa nation, henrikSen FiSherieS